Church of Uganda “opposed to death sentence" in Anti-homosexuality law

The Archbishop joined in the chorus of those, who since communication of the signing on Monday, May 29th, have hailed the President’s brevity to stand with Ugandans against powerful international forces. 

The praises have been coming in from political leaders on both sides of the isle, religious and cultural leaders, heads of Government MDAs including the Ministry of Health and millions of other Ugandans.

But unlike many who have commended the president, Archbishop Kaziimba has also raised concerns about the new law, chief among them the provision for the death penalty.

The Act provides in Sec 3(1) for a maximum sentence of the death penalty for those convicted of “Aggrevate Homosexuality,” which is when the acts may include rape or when the victim is vulnarable person, such as a child or an elderly person or a person with disabilities.

But regardless of any of these circumstances and how callous they might be, Archbishop Kazimba said the Church does not support the death sentence.

“As expressed in our responses to earlier versions of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill over the last fifteen years, the Church of Uganda supports life and, in principle, does not support the death penalty,” he said in a statement.

“As grievous as aggravated defilement and aggravated homosexuality are, we do not support the death penalty for those crimes, and continue to recommend life imprisonment instead.”

Kaziimba also warned on the other hand that the Anti-Homosexuality law must not be relied on entirely to fix the problems of Ugandan’s deteriorating society.

“The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 is good and we are grateful to the President for assenting to it. But, it will not solve all of our problems. We must also examine our own hearts and repent of sexual greed,” he said.

Nonetheless, the Archbishop expressed optimism that the Act will build on existing laws by offering greater protection of children through strong anti-grooming measures, strong restrictions on promotion, and protection of children by not allowing those convicted under the act to be employed in organisations that work directly with children.

Similarly, Ugandans abroad have come out to condemn the new law. especially for instilling fear among the LGBTQ community.

Musician Julie Mutesasira, who opened up about her sexuality by revealing a lesbian partner a few years ago, has openly condemned the law and even gone ahead to suggest that she may be permanently seeking refuge in Canada, where she currently lives with her partner and children.

Fatuma Namajja Kintu, another queer Ugandan living in Sweden, says she fears for her family and friends back at home given the new penalty.

Fatuma, who also goes by Pretty Spax online, says the bill has instilled fear among the Ugandan queer community.

"I feel like it's going to be so much worse now," she said, stating that she cannot even think of coming back home because she fears for her life. "I miss my family, but I can't face the brutality."